Moscow’s Potential Windfall: US Eyes Deals as India Faces Economic Pain

Russia could be on the verge of a significant economic and diplomatic windfall, with the United States considering major energy deals, while India, a US ally, faces severe economic pain from American tariffs. This tale of two outcomes stems from the same issue: trade with Russia.
The pain for India is immediate and tangible. Tariffs reaching 50% on its exports to the US are being finalized this week, a direct penalty for its decision to import Russian oil. This move will impact numerous Indian industries and workers.
The potential windfall for Moscow comes from high-level talks with the US. Officials have discussed a plan for Exxon Mobil to rejoin the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas venture, among other deals. These partnerships would bring significant investment and technology back into Russia’s sanctioned energy sector.
This situation underscores a transactional approach to foreign policy where economic outcomes are dictated by strategic needs. While India is being punished, Russia is being courted with lucrative offers, all in the service of the US goal to broker peace in Ukraine and secure a visible diplomatic achievement for President Trump.